Sectarian attacks 'a reminder of a dark past', justice minister says

Sectarian-motivated attacks on a number of homes in north Belfast are "sickening" and a "reminder of a dark past", Justice Minister Naomi Long has said.

Masonry was thrown at properties in Annalee Street and Alloa Street last Wednesday and on Friday some residents said they planned to leave their homes.

A multi-agency meeting was held on Tuesday as efforts continue to ensure the safety of a number of families.

"Everyone deserves to live without fear and to feel safe in their own home, regardless of background or religion," Long said.

"These sickening attacks are a reminder of a dark past and are carried out by those who wish to continue controlling the communities they purport to serve.

"It is unthinkable that young mothers are being forced to leave their homes, and I call on those responsible to desist now."

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said they have stepped up patrols in the area.

Speaking after the meeting on Tuesday, Sinn Féin MP John Finucane said a threat against north Belfast residents needs to be withdrawn.

He said there is a "sinister and organised element" to the sectarian attacks on homes in the Annalee Street and Alloa Street areas.

"This threat needs to be withdrawn immediately," Finucane said.

The North Belfast MP said some of the families still feel very vulnerable.

"We are talking about single mothers with young children who have health difficulties, elderly people who have their own health difficulties," he said.

"Everyone in the room was moved by the stories we were hearing, the trauma that has been inflicted on them since the disgraceful attack last week."

He added: "Whoever is behind this needs to explain why they are targeting such vulnerable people. They need to withdraw this threat immediately they need to allow these families to live in peace and security."

Finucane said a "robust" police response is needed to both investigate and bring those behind the threat to justice.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, a Clanmil spokesperson said their team has been "doing all they can to support families living in our homes there".

"We absolutely condemn the continued and unprovoked threat to families living peacefully in their homes. Everyone should be allowed to live safely in their home, free from any type of intimidation or threat."

The housing association said they are working with the PSNI and local community and political representatives to ensure safety.

"We call on those in leadership who have influence to do all they can to end this scourge on our society," they added.

Independent councillor Paul McCusker said it had been a very difficult meeting for the residents , many of who have not slept since the attack.

"The families who have been there since Wednesday are not able to sleep, are not eating, it is having a massive negative impact on their lives," he said.

McCusker said there are concerns around the police response.

He said many residents felt "communication hasn't been great between police and residents" adding there was a feeling police had not been "supportive enough".

"Residents want to know why they were targeted. We know it is sectarian related, police have confirmed that - certain areas are controlled by paramilitaries and they want to keep control, they don't want Catholics living in those areas."

Moving forward, he added, it is about the safety of the families.

He said those who have chosen to leave, can not "fall back into a housing system that is broken".

"Given what these families have been through they need to be prioritised within the system," he said, adding that the intimidation they have been put through must be taken into account.

Intimidation points were removed from social housing applications earlier this year.

"It is about providing adequate safe accommodation for these families, to move on… this needs to happen this week," McCusker said.

PSNI Ch Insp Mullan said the police investigation is ongoing, adding "a whole-society approach is needed" to supporting residents.

"We are focused on keeping the residents safe, and are providing enhanced patrols in the area as we work towards a resolution in conjunction with our community partners."

Tuesday's meeting had given police "the opportunity to listen to residents' legitimate concerns," Ch Insp Mullan said.

The senior officer added: "As we have stated repeatedly, hate crime has no place in our society. It is absolutely unacceptable that anyone should be subject to criminality because of who they are."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to come forward either to the PSNI or to Crimestoppers.